Almost two months have passed since my Op-Ed appeared in "Acts of Faith" at the Washington Post, and conservative media vilified me for it. I wrote up an account of what happened and sent it to my subscribers. But as Breitbart continues to be a cultural force, and "truth" continues to be at issue, … [Read more...] about My Recent Adventures in the Public Sphere
Get It Written, Get It Published: How a Writing Group Can Help
Should a serious writer bother with a writing group? I led a forum on this subject at Festival of Faith & Writing. About 30 writers came to the forum and I shared with them why I believe in the power of writing groups. Here are my notes: BENEFITS of a Writing Group: can help each other … [Read more...] about Get It Written, Get It Published: How a Writing Group Can Help
Sitting In My Chair
My book-signing table was at the very front of the Books-A-Million store, so at first I felt self-conscious, sitting so conspicuously with my books.?Then I realized I had a front row seat to life at the mall, more observing than observed. People who were alone tended to walk past at a fast clip, … [Read more...] about Sitting In My Chair
The Devil in the Numbers
One of my life goals was to write a book and have it published. It took fourteen years of sustained effort to accomplish that goal. During that time, I treated writing as a 20 hour/week job. I wrote two novels, was the founding member of two writing critique groups (which meet regularly to this … [Read more...] about The Devil in the Numbers
Is that Final?
My "Pilgrimage" manuscript has been received by the publisher and is due out in about one year. The first line of the publisher's response was: Is this final? Yes, they even underlined the word final. Friends, that question struck absolute terror into my heart! For one thing, I am used to … [Read more...] about Is that Final?
Oiling the Bike Chain: Distracting Myself from Writing
When I first met my husband, I was into long-distance bicycle riding. I was also very busy writing short stories and submitting them to contests. Early on in our relationship, my husband realized that whenever I got stuck on a story, I would get a powerful urge to go oil my bicycle chain. After all, … [Read more...] about Oiling the Bike Chain: Distracting Myself from Writing
54 Life Lessons: Reflections by a Writer Turning 54
Riding a bike is still fun. Wearing plaid is fine for other people. A clear desktop is essential to a clear mind. Deep-fried oysters are a sometimes food. When the coffee's bad I tend to keep drinking it, so stop already. Eating popcorn is wonderful but hard on the teeth. The day that I … [Read more...] about 54 Life Lessons: Reflections by a Writer Turning 54
Downshifting: Quitting My Job to Write a Book
Last Sunday I announced to my congregation that I would be leaving my position at the church this June. The reason for my leaving is that I want to spend all of my time and energy finishing some writing projects and finding a home for them, either through traditional publishing, or perhaps through … [Read more...] about Downshifting: Quitting My Job to Write a Book
The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest 2009
I submitted my novel TAKE WING to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel contest. ?This was the second annual, although I totally missed the first one. ?I understand there were 10 finalists last year and 4 got book deals. ?One of the blogs I subscribe to mentioned this contest and I only had 2 days to get … [Read more...] about The Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest 2009
Warrior Energy for Writers
During my yoga practice yesterday I assumed the Warrior 1 position: one leg forward, knee bent in a lunge, both arms stretched into the air. ?In Warrior 1, I often feel like my body is gathering energy, as all four limbs are equally tensed. ?Hold that a minute, then segue into Warrior 2: turn the … [Read more...] about Warrior Energy for Writers
The Rules of Improv: Lessons for the Writing Life
Say Yes Don't Prepare Just Show Up Start Anywhere Be Average Pay Attention Face the Facts Stay on Course Wake Up to the Gifts Make Mistakes, Please Act Now Take Care of Each Other Enjoy the Ride Just sharing some thoughts from Improv Wisdom, by … [Read more...] about The Rules of Improv: Lessons for the Writing Life
Something New — My First Blogpost
Three years ago my husband bought me my domain name for Mother's Day. ?He said "it's for when you get published." ?Well, the years go by, and it's like having a piece of lingerie in the drawer that's "too good to use." ?Which is not my style. ?If you looked in my drawers you would understand that … [Read more...] about Something New — My First Blogpost